Chapter 6

Thank you for the bookmark. I made some corrections to the part about the magic from the previous story.

Entering the temple and slipping through the large door at the back, the space was a high, spacious dome that exuded a silence that suited it.

Guided by Tütte, I kept to a place that wasn't too noticeable.

(Why? Because I stand out.)

Seeing other children for the first time, I couldn't hide my surprise.

First, I noticed their hair color.

Most people had black, blonde, or brown hair, which varied in shade.

There wasn't a single person with silver, let alone white-silver hair.

The colors of their eyes were diverse, and some had eyes similar to mine, making me wonder if my mother might not be from a foreign country.

Also, everyone looked sun-tanned and healthy. The Ardian Kingdom has a warm climate year-round, so the sunlight is quite strong.

I had been outside, so I should have been exposed to the sun, but only Tütte was tanned, while I wasn't at all... why?

Anyway, I realized for the first time that my appearance was quite different from others, and I felt embarrassed, so I quietly stood in a place that wasn't too noticeable.

Since I was a duchess's daughter, people only glanced at me with curious eyes but didn't come any closer.

"Then, we will begin the Oracle Ceremony. Those who are called, please come forward and place your hand on the treasure here."

At the back of the spacious temple, there were a few steps, and on top of them, a crystal that emitted a faint light was placed on an ornate pedestal.

"By the way, Tütte, what number am I?"

Actually, this order is influenced by the so-called power balance among the nobility.

Some families want to be first to stand out, others choose the middle to avoid standing out, and some want to be before a certain family, and so on, depending on the family's circumstances.

Whether to accept or reject this is apparently based on the family's influence.

"According to my lord's arrangement, you are supposed to be the last. He wants you to shine at the end."

(Damn! What an unnecessary thing... I didn't want to stand out...)

I closed my eyes and sighed deeply.

As I was thinking this, the Oracle Ceremony began, and those who were called went up to the pedestal.

With tense expressions, they touched the crystal, which glowed faintly, emitting colors like red, green, and blue.

Then, they closed their eyes and remained in that position for a while. Suddenly, they opened their eyes, seemed to be thinking about something, and then came down.

"What is that light?"

"That light measures the physical, intellectual, and magical power of the person who touched it. The deeper the color, the stronger the power, and the intensity of the glow indicates the total amount."

(So, for example, if it glows bright red, that means the person excels in that power, and the brighter it is, the higher the power, right?)

"Wow... you know a lot."

"I have already completed the Oracle Ceremony."

Come to think of it, she is five years older than me, so it's natural that she participated in the ceremony before me. I had forgotten that.

"Oh, really?"

I wanted to ask how it went, but since it's a private matter, I held back.

"I understand the light, but why do they stay like that for a while?"

"They receive a message from the god."

"Really? Can they hear the god's voice?"

For me, a modern person, this was unbelievable, and my voice became louder without realizing it.

Tütte tilted her head, as if to say, "Yes, that's right, but what is it?" In this world, the god seems to be tangible, and it's even possible that the god has descended in the past. Indeed, it's a fantasy world!

One after another, the children went to the pedestal and emitted light, making my eyes start to flicker. At the same time, my heartbeat quickened.

(Is it my turn soon? How is it going?)

I looked around, but the number of people left was unclear because they weren't lined up. Everyone was in their preferred spots and came forward when called, so I didn't know how many were left.

Moreover, those who had finished didn't leave, making it even more unclear.

However, after some time, I could tell the difference between those who had finished and those who hadn't.

When I realized there were only a few people left besides me, my heartbeat accelerated.

(I can't fail this time... If I crush the treasure, it's over...)

As my turn approached, I started to worry unnecessarily. Everything became suspicious, especially myself.

(Ah... If only I had practiced with a crystal ball... But I don't think I'll crush it, and even a crack would be bad... Ah, what should I do? My hands are shaking from nervousness...)

Then, the last child I had predicted was called and returned a few minutes later.

(No, no, no, no, no, it's finally my turn)

I wrote the word "person" on my palm and made a swallowing motion.

This is the power of modern magic!

"Next, Duchess Legaria, Mary Legaria."

At the sound of my name, my heart almost exploded.

(The modern magic didn't work...)

As I froze, Tütte looked at me worriedly.

(Why are you worrying? I'm a duchess's daughter! I have to be strong.)

I steeled myself, raised my head, and moved forward.

Creak!

At that moment, the heavy door, which had been closed, opened, and several knight-like men and attendants entered.

"The arrival of the First Prince of the Ardian Kingdom, Prince Raphorce!"

The atmosphere in the temple instantly tensed, and those near the door moved to the corners.

I was so flustered that I didn't understand the situation and stood still, about to go to the pedestal.

Then, the person entered, accompanied by the knights.

The First Prince of the Ardian Kingdom, "Raphorce Luka Darford."

Everyone was captivated by his appearance, especially the girls.

He wore clothes in white and blue, and his graceful walk with his long, beautiful limbs was elegant.

His beautiful golden hair, which flowed in the wind, was silky, and his deep, shining blue eyes were mesmerizing.

His facial features were beautiful for a boy, and his dignified expression added nobility.

He was truly a prince! This is the only way to describe him.

Surprisingly, the prince was the same age as me, which is why he was participating in the Oracle Ceremony today. However, as a royal, he was busy and arrived late, making a grand entrance.

No one could complain, as this was the royal family.

The prince approached me, forming an arch with the knights.

(I have to move...)

Even though I was flustered, my thoughts responded to the surroundings, and I made a decision to act...

Thud!

I couldn't do it!

As I tried to step back, I tripped on my unfamiliar shoes and almost fell.

"Whoa..."

A gentle voice reached my ear.

Someone had caught me.

(What? Who? No wayyyyyy!)

I cautiously moved my gaze and saw the prince's face up close.

(I did it! I messed up!)

I screamed in my mind.

Since the prince's appearance has made the story longer, I'll cut it off here. Thank you for reading this far.